Downtown Brooklyn is full of eye-catching spots perfect for leveling up your Instagram feed. From bold murals and architectural gems to lush green spaces and quirky hidden corners, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Instagrammable locations in the neighborhood. Whether you’re chasing golden hour light or just want a fun backdrop, these DTBK spots deliver.
Photo: Hai Zhang
Abolitionist Place
Downtown Brooklyn’s newest open space, Abolitionist Place is an ideal backdrop for your next Instagram post. Bathed in sunlight on a warm summer day, the park’s lush green grass, curved seating, waterplay feature, and lively dog park create an inviting scene that’s hard to resist sharing.
DTBK’s Asphalt Art Murals
Downtown Brooklyn’s latest asphalt art murals, titled Fear No Frontier, turn ordinary streets into extraordinary canvases. Designed by artist Isolina Minjeong, the murals bring together bold colors and myth-inspired imagery of tigers, dragons, and flowers. Installed across the neighborhood’s Shared Streets, the murals create a walkable gallery that celebrates the culture and energy of the city. It’s the kind of street art that practically begs you to stop, strike a pose, and capture the moment.
Albee Square
Albee Square is where the energy of Downtown Brooklyn truly shines. With colorful furniture and umbrellas; a steady flow of foot traffic; and tons of nearby shops, it’s a natural hub of activity and visual interest. The space often hosts performances, parties, and family-friendly events, adding extra vibrance to an already dynamic setting. It’s the kind of place where everyday moments feel effortlessly cool and full of character.
Photo: Junior’s Restaurant and Cheesecake
Junior’s Restaurant and Cheesecake
This spot needs no introduction. Famous for its world-renowned cheesecake, Junior’s retro neon signage and bustling corner location make it instantly recognizable. Inside, the cozy booths and classic diner aesthetic set the stage for comfort food done right, from pastrami sandwiches to towering slices of cake. It’s the kind of place where Brooklyn flavor and photo-worthy charm go hand-in-hand.
Photo: NYC Department of Design and Construction
Hank Willis Thomas’ Unity
Standing tall on Tillary Street, Hank Willis Thomas’ Unity is more than a sculpture: it’s a bold statement. Rising over 22 feet from the median, this towering bronze arm reaches skyward in a gesture of strength, ambition, and hope. Arriving from the Brooklyn Bridge or simply strolling past, you’ll find this striking work of public art to be a perfect photo op that captures the optimistic spirit of Downtown Brooklyn.
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
Art, performance, and community come together at The Plaza at 300 Ashland in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. Designed like an urban amphitheater, the plaza’s sleek steps and tiered layout naturally draw you in and create a captivating backdrop for any moment. Attend an event, stumble upon an interactive installation, or visit nearby cultural organizations. Either way, the plaza always offers a camera-ready scene — especially at golden hour.
Columbus Park
Columbus Park’s striking central fountain, open plaza, and the historic façade of Borough Hall make it a local favorite for everything from quiet strolls to bustling events. Public art like 2023’s Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings by Sherwin Banfield, or 2024’s Rappin’ Max Robot by Eric Orr, keeps the space vibrant year-round. Whether you’re capturing architecture or relaxing on a bench, Columbus Park delivers a picture-perfect slice of Brooklyn.
Photo: DeKalb Market Hall
DeKalb Market Hall
DeKalb Market Hall is a feast for both your taste buds and your camera roll. Tucked beneath City Point, this buzzing underground food hall glows with colorful neon signs and a bold design that gives every corner a cinematic feel. With dozens of vendors serving up everything from towering burgers to delicate dumplings, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering moments to capture.
Photo: Brooklyn Paramount, Live Nation
Brooklyn Paramount
A gem reborn, Brooklyn Paramount recently underwent a stunning restoration that brings its historic charm into the present day. With ornate details lovingly preserved and modern upgrades seamlessly integrated, the Paramount once again shines as both a cultural landmark and a premier venue. The theater is a picture-perfect blend of history and style that makes it an Instagrammable snapshot of Brooklyn’s past and future.
Brooklyn Commons Park
Brooklyn Commons Park is a year-round photogenic gem. Its tree-lined paths come alive with lush, colorful flowers in the spring; a thick shade-providing canopy in the summer; and oftentimes during the holidays, a towering Christmas tree with twinkling fairy lights graces the park. The wide-open lawn makes the park perfect for spontaneous after-school or after-work hangouts — ideal for capturing those candid moments.
Photo: BSE Global
Barclays Center
Barclays Center is a Downtown Brooklyn landmark that commands attention. With its striking oculus, bold architecture, and ever-changing digital displays, the building itself feels like a piece of art. As the home of major concerts, NBA games, and community events, it’s a constant hub of energy and excitement. The building’s unique architecture makes it the kind of spot that begs for a photo: epic, iconic, and unmistakably Brooklyn.
Downtown Brooklyn has a backdrop for it all: serene park views, striking public art, bustling community spaces, and food shots that will make your followers drool. Every corner of the neighborhood offers something unexpected, making it easy to turn everyday outings into standout content. So, grab your camera, take a stroll, and let DTBK’s vibrant streetscape inspire your next great post.
